Improvement in gate-latches



E. s. SHELLI-IOUSE. Gate-Lat0h.

No. 20718231 Patented Sept. 10. 1878 'a/ WITNESSES q ava /rx d1 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

EDWARD S. SHELLHOUSE, OF CAREY, OHIO.

'l MPROVEM ENT IN GATE-LATCHES,

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 207,823., dated September 10, 1878; application filed February 23, 1878.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, EDWARD S. SHELL- HOUSE, of Garey, in the county of Wyandot and State of Ohio, have invented a new and valuable Improvement in Latches; and I do hereby declare that the following is a full, clear, and exact description of the construction and operation of the same, reference being had to the annexed drawings, making a part of this specification, and to the letters and figures of reference marked thereon.

Figure 1 of the drawings is a perspective view of my gate-latch, and Fig. 2 is a side view thereof,

My invention relates to drop-latches for gates and doors; and it consists in the construction and combination of parts. as will be hereinafter more fully set forth.

The annexed drawing, to which reference is made, fully illustrates my invention.

A represents a metallic plate or casting of any suitable dimensions, provided with per.- forated ears to a at top and bottom for the passage of screws, so that it can be fastened to the gate-post without cutting or boring the timber.

B is the metal piece or latch-bar, which is fastened in the same manner on the frame of the gate or door by the same means.

From the upper portion of the plate or casting A projects a slotted arm, 0, in which, near the outer end, is pivoted the triangular drop-latch D. This latch is, at the top, near its inner end, proyided with a ring, I, as

shown. A suitable distance below the arm 0 projects another arm, F, the upper edge of which is made curved outward and downward.

When the gate is swung in, the drop-latch catches on the latch-barB, while said latch-bar rests firmly upon the arm or stay F below, holding the gate from sagging or dropping down. At the same time it cannot be nnlatched by any other process except by taking hold of the ring I and lifting the latch. This ring answers, also, another very important purpose. By raising the latch and throwing the ring over the inner end thereof, it will rest upon the inner end of the arm 0, and hold the latch open when it may be desired not to latch the gate.

I am aware that a drop-latch of substantially the construction herein shown is not new, and I do therefore not claim such, broadly, as my invention.

What I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

In combination with the drop-latch D, arranged with the slotted arm 0 and plate A, the ring, I for raising the latch and for holding it in an elevated position, as herein set forth.

In testimony that I claim the above I have hereunto subscribed my name in the presence of two witnesses.

EDWARD S. SHELLHOUSE.

Witnesses:

ALEXANDER F. ANDERSON, KINSY MONTAGUE. 

